Extent of metal release from food contact materials

Project

Project code: BfR-CPS-08-1322-513
Contract period: 01.05.2012 - 01.12.2016
Purpose of research: Experimental development

For consumers the use of many consumer products is associated with direct contact and thus exposure to several chemicals. The release of metals in high concentration from low-grade consumer products or the use of toxic alloying components represents an ongoing problem for surveillance authorities and is also reflected by the large number of RASFF notices. In order to verify if the legal basis concerning the release of metals of food contact materials is respected, the status quo with regard to the carry-over of these components in foodstuff has to be determined. Based on the scientific data, options for risk management will be given. 2016: The use of food contact materials is often associated with the release of constituents and thus consumer exposure to several chemicals. The release of metals in high concentrations from consumer products and the use of toxic alloying components represent an ongoing problem for surveillance authorities and is also reflected by the large number of RASFF alerts as well as by first results of this project obtained in previous years. Article 3(1) of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 establishes requirements for the release of constituents of food contact materials under normal or foreseeable conditions. The constituents must not be released in quantities which could endanger human health or convey an unacceptable change in the composition or the organoleptic characteristics of the food. In 2013 the Council of Europe passed the resolution CM/Res(2013)9 on metals and alloys used in food contact materials and articles. In the technical guide supplementing this resolution specific release limits for 21 metals and methods for release testing are given. In order to verify whether these release limits are being respected, a survey on the status quo with regard to the leaching of these components into foodstuffs has to be pursued. Based on the scientific data obtained, options for risk management will be given.

In the context of the inventory analysis for the assessment of food contact materials according to Reg 1935/2004 basic knowledge about the mechanism of the release of elements from different metal and alloys made of FCM could be obtained. Various multiemethods were succesfully validated for 20 elements using ICP-MS for food and simulants. A critical release of aluminium into food was found in camping pots and assiettes made of aluminium. Depending on the used time temperatue conditions the simulant 0.5% citric acid can overestimate the release compared to food for aluminum, while underestimated could be possible by using the simulant synthetic tap water. Espresso machines showed just slightly releases of Al. Concentrations of lead 0.01mg/kg were found in coffee machines and flasks. The testing of copperware showed release greater than 4mg Cu/kg (SRL). A qualitatively poor looking whisk causes optical impurities in the release solution. Further kitchen utensiles such as soup ladle, tea strainers and peeler showed releases of Cr, Ni, Fe and Pb of more than 10% of the actual SRL. Cutlery and cooking pots made of stainless steal released small amounts of Cr, which were with 0.008 mg/kg far below the SRL of 0.25 mg/kg. Electric kettles showed low levels of Pb, Cr, Ni and Cu less than the corresponding SRL. There is a need for action for silver analysis because it is still a analytical challenge.

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